Osaka to Fukuoka: Sanyo Shinkansen Trip Experience!

Trains Operating on the Sanyo Shinkansen

The Sanyo Shinkansen has five types of trains: Misshiko, Nozomi, Hikari, Sakura, and Kodama.

Each Shinkansen differs in arrival speed to the destination, route, and number of stops.
Here, we’ll briefly introduce the characteristics of each Shinkansen, specifically for the route between Shin-Osaka and Hakata.

Shinkansen Mizuno｜Stops (11 stations)

Train Name	Mizuno
Launch Date	March 12, 2011
Formation	N700 Series (8-car formation)
Length	About 200 meters (with 8-car formation)
Maximum Speed	300 km/h
Capacity	About 600 people (varies depending on formation)
Stops (11 stations)	Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, ※ Nishiiakashi, Himeji, Okayama, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, ※ Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi, Kokura, Hakata

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Shinkansen Nozomi｜Stops (11 stations)

Train Name	Nozomi
Launch Date	March 14, 1992
Formation	N700 Series / N700S Series (16-car formation)
Length	About 400 meters (with 16-car formation)
Maximum Speed	300 km/h
Capacity	About 1,323 people (N700 series)
Stops (11 stations)	Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, ※ Nishiiakashi, Himeji, Okayama, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, ※ Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi, Kokura, Hakata

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Shinkansen Sakura｜Stops (13 stations)

Train Name	Sakura
Launch Date	March 12, 2011
Formation	N700 Series (8-car formation)
Length	About 200 meters (with 8-car formation)
Maximum Speed	285 km/h
Capacity	About 600 people (varies depending on formation)
Stops (13 stations)	Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, ※ Nishiiakashi, ※ Himeji, ※ Aioi, Okayama, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, ※ Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi, ※ Shin-Shimonoseki, Kokura, Hakata

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Shinkansen Hikari｜Stops (13 stations)

Train Name	Hikari
Launch Date	October 1, 1964
Formation	N700 Series / N700S Series (16-car formation)
Length	About 400 meters (with 16-car formation)
Maximum Speed	285 km/h
Capacity	About 1,323 people (N700 series)
Stops (13 stations)	Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, ※ Nishiiakashi, ※ Himeji, ※ Aioi, Okayama, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, ※ Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi, ※ Shin-Shimonoseki, Kokura, Hakata

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Shinkansen Kodama｜Stops (19 stations)

Train Name	Kodama
Launch Date	October 1, 1964
Formation	N700 Series / N700S Series (16-car formation)
Length	About 400 meters (with 16-car formation)
Maximum Speed	285 km/h
Capacity	About 1,323 people (16-car formation)
Stops (19 stations)	Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Nishiiakashi, Himeji, Aioi, Okayama, Shin-Kurashiki, Fukuyama, Shin-Onomichi, Mihara, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima, Shin-Iwakuni, Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi, Asa, Shin-Shimonoseki, Kokura, Hakata

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Reservation & Ticket Purchase Methods

Midori no Madoguchi

In specific JR areas, there are Midori no Madoguchi (Green Windows).

If you’re a beginner and unsure about purchasing online or through agents, it’s safe to buy tickets at the Midori no Madoguchi located at specific JR stations, where you can consult with the staff.

When you visit the Midori no Madoguchi, tell the staff the date of your trip, number of passengers, and seat preference (reserved or non-reserved), and you’ll receive your ticket smoothly.

Midori no Kekkai (Ticket Vending Machine)

“Midori no Kekkai” is a ticket vending machine where you can purchase Shinkansen tickets automatically. It is available at designated JR stations.

How to Use the Midori no Kekkai Vending Machine

1. Press the “Search Timetable and Purchase Ticket” button
2. Select departure and arrival stations
3. Select the travel date and time
4. Select the number of passengers
5. Select the itinerary on the “Preferred Itinerary Selection” screen
6. Click on “Purchase Express Ticket + Train Ticket”
7. Select the seat type
8. Select the car
9. Select your preferred seat location from the seat map
10. Select the ticket type: “One-way” or “Round-trip”
11. Insert cash or a credit card to purchase the train ticket

Note: During busy seasons (such as New Year’s or Obon), the “Midori no Madoguchi” ticket counters tend to be crowded, so it is recommended to arrive at the station with enough time in advance!

Internet Reservation

There are five websites where you can reserve Shinkansen tickets.

1. Eki-Net (JR East)
2. Express Reservation
3. Smart EX
4. E5489
5. Online Reservation (JR Kyushu)

When making a reservation, check the departure location, destination, and type of train as you proceed with the booking.

On the E5489 site, you can reserve the “Super Early Bird Ticket” from 14 days before your travel date. Once you get used to it, it’s ideal to reserve online and pick up your ticket at the “Midori no Kiosk” on the day of travel.

Reservation via Travel Agencies

I have personally purchased tickets through travel agencies, and the key point is that you can buy tickets at a significantly lower price.

Although early bird discounts from internet reservations are cheap, local trains on the Shinkansen are even cheaper.

The “Kodama” local Shinkansen I used in the past between Shin-Osaka and Hakata. I used the plan from Japan Travel called “[Affordable Trip with Kodama, Hikari, and Tsubame from Shin-Osaka ⇔ Fukuoka (Hakata, Kokura), Kumamoto]“, and traveled for 11,300 yen.

■ Comparison of regular fare and affordable plan for Shinkansen “Kodama”

By using the Discount Plan, you can get a ticket 4,180 yen cheaper than the regular fare, so it’s highly recommended!
Moreover, this price includes the reserved seat fee, so it’s quite affordable.

Since it’s a local train, the arrival time will inevitably be longer.

• From Shin-Osaka to Hakata | Shinkansen “Nozomi / Mizuho” travel time – 2 hours 28 minutes
• From Shin-Osaka to Hakata | Shinkansen “Kodama” travel time – 4 hours 30 minutes

Using the local train, it takes about 4 hours 30 minutes one-way from Shin-Osaka to Hakata.
It takes time, but it’s a plan I want to actively use for travel or returning home.

▼ Official Japan Travel Website – Discount Plan Page
https://www.nta.co.jp/jr/shinkansen/kodama

Fare

Shin-Osaka to Hakata

Mizuho / Nozomi (Average travel time: 2 hours 28 minutes)

Seat	Total Fare	Ticket Fare	Express Fee
Unreserved Seat	14,750 yen	9,790 yen	4,960 yen
Reserved Seat	16,020 yen	9,790 yen	6,230 yen
Green Seat	22,090 yen	9,790 yen	12,300 yen

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Sakura / Hikari (Average travel time: 2 hours 45 minutes)

Seat	Total Fare	Ticket Fare	Express Fee
Unreserved Seat	14,750 yen	9,790 yen	4,960 yen
Reserved Seat	15,280 yen	9,790 yen	5,490 yen
Green Seat	21,350 yen	9,790 yen	11,560 yen

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Kodama (Average travel time: 4 hours 19 minutes)

Seat	Total Fare	Ticket Fare	Express Fee
Unreserved Seat	14,750 yen	9,790 yen	4,960 yen
Reserved Seat	15,280 yen	9,790 yen	5,490 yen

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Types of Seats

The vehicles on the Sanyo Shinkansen have three types of seats: “Unreserved Seat“, “Reserved Seat“, and “Green Seat“.

Unreserved Seat

The unreserved seat is the cheapest on the Shinkansen, and the benefit is that you can board at any time without worrying about the time.
In the case of Mizuho, the seat type was split into blue 3 seats and red 2 seats.

However, one drawback is that during peak seasons, seats are not guaranteed, so there may be times when you can’t get a seat.
There is only one power outlet available on the wall of the first and last row of the car, as well as one on the wall beside each seat, so it’s a good idea to secure a window seat.

Reserved Seats

Reserved Seat Points and Precautions

With reserved seats, you can sit in your preferred location chosen when making a reservation. This is especially recommended during busy seasons such as Obon or the year-end and New Year holidays when heavy crowds are expected.

Like with non-reserved seats, there is only one power outlet available on the wall of the first and last row of the car, and one on the wall beside each seat. It is convenient to secure a window seat. The aisle side allows for smooth movement, so choose a seat that suits you.

Reserved Seat Ticket Notes

If you miss your reserved seat time, the seat will become invalid, but you can still use it as a non-reserved seat on the next train, so you can board the Shinkansen.

Green Seats

Comfortable Seats and Well-Equipped Amenities

Compared to the cars with non-reserved and reserved seats, the seats are wider and there is more space between rows, making it more comfortable to travel.

The price is slightly higher, but it is popular among business travelers, offering a quiet and calm atmosphere. Additionally, there are many amenities that aren’t available in standard cars, which is another attractive feature.

Main Amenities

• Footrest function and leg warmers for comfortable feet
• Foldable table in armrest compartment for easy work
• Some seats have pursers offering wet towels and blanket rentals
• More calm lighting compared to regular cars, and with the use of a reading light, you can illuminate your work area

Additionally, there is a power outlet at the tip of each armrest, making it convenient for charging your smartphone or laptop. You can work without worrying about battery life during your trip.

Recommended Large Luggage Seats for Stroller Users

When traveling with a stroller, it is recommended to use the seats with large luggage space.
In regular seats, the stroller may protrude into the aisle, potentially blocking the passage unintentionally.

If you have large luggage (total of 3 sides more than 160 cm and up to 250 cm), it is important to reserve a seat with large luggage space.
Using this space requires an additional 1,000 yen charge.

How to Pass Through the Shinkansen Ticket Gate

Shin-Osaka Shinkansen platform

photo by mitemil

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Near the Shinkansen-exclusive ticket gate, there is a large sign that says Shinkansen platform, and you cannot enter with a regular ticket.
The Shinkansen-exclusive ticket gate is blue, and it has a cool design!

How to Pass Your Ticket

1. Insert your Shinkansen ticket into the ticket gate machine
2. Once it is properly read, a green light will illuminate, and the ticket will be returned
3. Take the ticket and pass through the gate

If your ticket is not being read properly, ask a station attendant for assistance.

Check the Boarding Location on the Electronic Bulletin Board

Electronic bulletin board at Shin-Osaka station

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At the Shinkansen platform, you can check the departure time and platform number on the electronic bulletin board, so make sure to check it before passing through the gate.

Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi

There is a free service called “Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi” available only for passengers on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, Sanyō Shinkansen, and Kyushu Shinkansen.

The Wi-Fi supports 7 languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, German, French, and Thai.

If you have connected to Wi-Fi before, you can follow the usual steps to connect your smartphone or laptop.

1. Open “Settings”
2. Tap “Wi-Fi”
3. Select and tap “Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi”
4. Enter your email address
5. Review the terms of use and check to agree
6. Tap “Connect to the Internet”

After entering your email address and agreeing to the terms of use, send the form.

You will receive an email from a company called “Wire and Wireless Co., Ltd.” with a registration link for authentication.

Clicking the link will complete the registration and allow you to use the free Wi-Fi.

Little-Known Luggage Size Limits for Shinkansen

The luggage that can be brought on the Shinkansen must have a total of height, width, and depth combined not exceeding 250cm, weigh no more than 30kg, and be a maximum of 2 pieces.

If your luggage is too large, it is recommended to reserve a seat with a large luggage space.

Sanyō Shinkansen Car Interior Map

Interior Introduction of the Sanyō Shinkansen N700 Series

Around the Seats (Reserved Seats)

Reserved seat window in the Shinkansen Mizuho

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Power Outlets

Power outlet inside the Sanyō Kyushu Shinkansen N700 series

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Storage Shelves

Luggage rack in the Sanyō Kyushu Shinkansen N700 series above your head

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Washbasin

Powder room in the Sanyō Kyushu Shinkansen N700 series

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Toilets

Toilet inside the Shinkansen Mizuho

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Sanyō Shinkansen

Where can I make a phone call inside the Sanyō Shinkansen?

Phone calls are prohibited in seats and passenger cabins, but there are certain areas where calling is allowed.

If you need to make a call, you can do so in the connection area between train cars (deck).

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Sanyō Kyushu Shinkansen Train Formation and Locations of Ordinary, Reserved, and Green Seats?

For an 8-car formation:

Cars 1-3 – Non-reserved seats
Cars 4-5, 7-8 – Reserved seats
Car 6 – Green seats

All seats are non-smoking.

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What is the difference between the Sanyō Shinkansen ‘Mizuho’ and ‘Nozomi’?

The “Mizuho” has 2+2 seating in ordinary reserved cars, whereas the “Nozomi” has 2+3 seating throughout the ordinary cars.

Since “Mizuho” has one less seat per row compared to “Nozomi,” there is more space in the ordinary car seats.

Both trains have the same fare, so if you are using an ordinary car, “Mizuho” is recommended!

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What is the difference between the Sanyō Shinkansen ‘Mizuho’ and ‘Sakura’?

Apart from the different train names, they also differ in speed.

Using a commuter train analogy:

Mizuho – Express
Sakura – Semi-express

Approximate travel time from Shin-Osaka to Hakata Station:

Mizuho – 2 hours 28 minutes
Sakura – 2 hours 39 minutes

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Riding Experience & Impressions

I took the N700 series “Sakura” from Hakata Station to Shin-Osaka Station. The train departed from Hakata at 10:23 and arrived at Shin-Osaka at 12:59.

Even on a weekday, many passengers were waiting at the platform for non-reserved seats. During major holidays or weekends, it gets even more crowded, so reserving a seat is highly recommended.

I was lucky to secure a window seat in the non-reserved section. Although I bought a juice at a convenience store before boarding, I regretted not getting an onigiri or bento as well.

Since there is no onboard sales service, it’s best to buy food at a convenience store before boarding.

Even though the Shinkansen is fast, the long travel distance makes onboard Wi-Fi useful—I enjoyed watching a movie during the ride.

Pros & Cons